The cemetery.
Gendo Ikari said, "It's been three years since the last time we came here together."
Shinji Ikari crouched on the ground, looking at the gravestone before him. "After I ran away back then, I never came here again. I still can't believe Mom is resting here. I don't even remember what she looked like..."
Behind him, Gendo Ikari took the rare step of explaining things to his son. "People can only keep living by forgetting the past, but some things must never be forgotten. Yui taught me what it means for something to be irreplaceable. I come here to reaffirm that."
Shinji Ikari stood and gazed into the distance, regret in his voice. "Didn't she leave any photos or anything?"
Gendo Ikari turned his head aside and shook it. "Nothing. Even this grave in front of you is just for show... it's empty."
Shinji Ikari turned his head in the opposite direction from his father, looking forlorn. "My teacher said that too. She didn't leave anything behind."
Gendo Ikari seemed unconcerned. "Everything is in my heart. That's enough for now."
As far as Gendo Ikari was concerned, Yui Ikari had not died. She still existed. To see her again, he would have to change the plan!
Their conversation ended when the aircraft arrived to take Gendo Ikari away.
Gendo Ikari took another long look at Shinji Ikari. "It's time. I'm heading back."
He turned to leave. Just as he was about to board the aircraft, Shinji Ikari could not help calling out to him. "Dad!"
Gendo Ikari paused, then finally turned back to look at his son.
Shinji Ikari sounded a little excited. "Dad, I'm really glad I got to talk to you today!
And... have you ever been proud of me?"
His son's hesitant yet hopeful words